Preventing Deer and Vehicle Collisions

In 2008, Wisconsin motorists were involved in at least 31,951 collisions with deer. Ten people were killed in these crashes (seven of these were motorcyclists) and at least 342 people were injured. Over 2234 crashes occurred in Milwaukee and surrounding counties.

The wildlife experts at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital recommend taking the following precautions to avoid collisions:

• Stay alert. Watch for deer near roadways.
• Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways. They are very unpredictable.
• Slow down in deer crossing zones. The signs are posted because a high number of deer crossings have been reported in that area.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights by driving at excessive speeds at night. If a deer jumps out into the roadway, will you be able to stop in time? Slow down to make sure you can brake for deer.
• Use your high-beams when driving at night when you can.
• Get your vehicle’s brakes and tires checked to be sure they are in good condition.
• Avoid swerving from your lane to miss a deer. This could cause your car to lose control, strike an oncoming car or leave the roadway.
• Watch for more than one deer. Deer often travel in groups.
• Avoid frightening deer. Deer that wander into neighborhoods are often very frightened and unpredictable. Loud noises or chasing them may cause them to run into traffic or even jump through a window! Deer in neighborhoods will usually find their way out if left undisturbed.

If you have questions about a deer that seems to be in distress in Milwaukee County, call the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204.